By Candlelight...

"the candles are many, but the light is one' Rumi

Welcome to Generosity of Spirit, a space to share my slow and gentle living philosophy. Please do subscribe to join me on this gentle journey of discovery and receive my Slow Sunday Letter straight into your inbox.

In today’s Slow Sunday Letter, I want to talk about candles. I love candles, and I have at least one candle lit whenever I am at home. It has also turned into a big part of my writing ritual. I started to wonder what candlelight means to me. And how it has evolved from simply lighting a candle to being a solid part of my foundation for slow and gentle living.

A Guiding Light

Lighting a candle is an intentional act that transforms an ordinary space, and brings with it light and a shift in energy.

A candle can be a wonderful channel for focus and connection. The comfort I get from a single flame never fails to surprise me. I love thinking about elements of life and nature that have quiet power and a candle epitomises that. The quiet burning makes me feel peaceful, open, safe, and ready to receive and share. In so many ways, it is the key to unlock my creativity.

Candles have always had a distinctive place in our society, and as such they represent an incredible link that taps into our past. A candle can glow with messages of love, wisdom, remembrance, passion, safety, hope, warmth and spirituality.

“Deeply rooted in almost every religious and spiritual practice, creed and nationality, there is something peculiar and symbolic in a solitary flame and the aura of light surrounding it. It communicates with our souls. It speaks beyond words. It is the Unspeakable that dwells in the midst of the candle flame. It enlightens, enlivens, inspires, whispers secrets, comforts and ultimately connects. No matter how thick the darkness, the light of one candle conquers it. No matter how solitary one flame is, it is never alone or lonely for its light knows no boundaries and touches eternity.” – Candles, Brief History of Symbolism - Candle Delirium

My Writing Ritual

“The liminal space between dreaming and waking is often where creative ideas are born.” - anon

What is Ritual?

At its simplest, ritual is a set of actions designed to focus attention and heighten an experience.

Anthropologists Arnold van Gennep and Victor Turner observed that ritual has three phases:

1.      Separation from everyday activities.

2.      Transition to an unstructured or “liminal” reality, where the participant becomes a walker between the worlds, a traveller at the threshold. (The word “liminal” comes from the Latin limen, meaning “threshold.”) Writing is the ultimate liminal reality.

3.      Reassimilation into normal life, but more deeply than before.

A writing ritual creates an intimate space around you and your work, encouraging your creativity and inviting a deeper connection to your work.

Lighting a candle has become the most important part of my writing ritual – effectivity a tool I use to reach the second phase of ritual – the transition into a liminal reality.

Definition – Liminal adj: between or belonging to two different places, states etc. Cambridge Dictionary

If I am intentionally sitting down to write, I do take some time to create an ambiance that encourages flow, relaxes me, and opens my creative mind. I like soft lighting, a candle burning, I like gentle jazz music, a hot drink, and a hefty dose of cosy comfort! I find lighting candle or two is the most effective way for me to get into the right mindset to create. I feel calm, and safe and the very act of lighting a candle facilitates a conversation between myself and the page.

If you want to read more about how to create your own writing friendly space at home do have a read of the below:

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The Keepers of Light

I love the symbolism and history of candles and candlelight. A burning candle can symbolise so much to so many; the fleeting nature of time, a sense of peace and calm, the joy of celebration, the solemnity of mourning and grief, the focus of prayer, and the enduring light of hope to name a few.

I spent ages searching for a poem, which encapsulated everything I feel about candles – and I couldn’t find anything quite right. Spurred on by the Winter Writing Sanctuary a course by

Beth Kempton

and the fact I have written two poems in the last couple of weeks (my first for years) – I decided to give it a go myself…

By Candlelight

A simple act, a daily ritual.

The gentle glow,

The flame that flickers and dances

Wax burning slow and steady.

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A single flame fills the room.

It’s presence of peace.

The influence of calm.

A gift of serenity.

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The comfort in heart, in my soul

My body relaxes.

My mind expands…

By candlelight – I am safe, I am strong, I am me.

Inviting In Peace

From the instant you light a candle, there is an immediate, but gentle change in your surroundings. The soft, delicate glow brings a sense of calm, an opportunity for peace.

Think about the last time you lit a candle at home.

Perhaps, it was cold outside, and you wanted to feel cosy and warm. Maybe you were running a hot bath and wanted to add to the ambiance. The candle could have been lit as part of your own ritual or routine. Or maybe the candle represented a moment of reflection, or remembrance. Whatever, the reasons, think back - did you feel a sense of calm wash over you? That is the power of a candle’s light – that quiet power. It is understated yet profound. By candlelight, any space can be transformed into a haven of peace.

The very act of lighting a candle, the focus, and the invitation of peace in an altered environment is a signal to your mind to slow down.

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Candle Meditation

I have always enjoyed meditating, but it is something I seem to lean into for a period of time, and then fall out of routine with. So, when I stumbled upon the concept of candle mediation, I was intrigued. Two elements that fill me with peace and calm on their own – combined. This was worth investigating!

Candle meditation, also known as candle gazing, is a peaceful and soulful way to meditate- you simply relax your gaze and attention on the gentle flicker of the flame.

Candle Meditation Tips:

·        Practice in a dark room (no electric lights).

·        Protect your candle from wind/breeze.

·        Place your lit candle about a metre from your face at eye level.

·        Consider using a scented candle as the smell can encourage a calm mood.

·        Sit comfortably, and make sure you are warm enough.

·        Once you are all set up, rest your gaze on the candle.

·        Focus your attention on the gentle flicker of the flame.

·        Breath slowly and deeply.

·        Meditate with the candle for about 5 minutes, building up the time if you want to.

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A Candle for Hope

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” - Francis of Assisi

I love how a simple candle can represent hope. Even the smallest light can withstand the dark and change it, bringing with it a sense of hope.

“A burning candle can also symbolise hope. In the darkest room, just one candle can push away the shadows. This is what hope is like. Even in tough times, a small glimmer can make a big difference. Imagine a scenario where you’re facing a tough time. Everything feels overwhelming. Now, light a candle in that setting. Watch how its glow steadily challenges and pushes back the darkness. This act is a physical manifestation of an inner truth: no matter how difficult things get, there’s always a spark that can ignite change.”  - Meaning Library

Candles for Self-Care

Candlelight is a permanent feature in my home no matter what time of year. I burn candles all the time when I am home, and as discussed when I am writing. It will come as no surprise, that I burn through a considerable number of candles. Therefore, I often make my own candles, I have a monthly subscription to The Naked Candle Company and my favourite candles of all time by Self Care Company are often on my wish list and are my ‘go to’ if I want to treat myself.

Candle Making

I made my first candles using The Lunar Ocean’s candle making kit, the perfect beginners kit with everything you could need to make your own beautiful candles. The instructions are simple and easy to follow, and it is a wonderful way to get the basic equipment you need and a guaranteed way to create perfect candles.

 Lunar Oceans Candle Making Kit

After this, I gained in confidence and started making my own candles more regularly. I love making candles now, and see it as a mindful activity that taps into my creativity. I could not recommend learning how to make your own candles more. There are many beginner guides online, but I have linked Hobbycraft below to get you started.

Hobbycraft - How To Make A Candle

The Naked Candle Company

The Naked Candle Company

The Naked Candle Co is a small family run business that started in Manchester, UK. They hand pour their candles, in small batches and use sustainably sourced, vegan friendly wax. I have been a subscriber for a couple of years and receive two candles in the post each month. One is a bestselling candle, and the other an exclusive or seasonal scent.

Self Care Company

Self Care Co.

The Self Care Candle Company created by Nicole de Leiburne is a small business working out of London. All their candles are hand crafted in small batches and are curated with the intention of helping naturally combat anxiety, stress, and low mood, through the power of aromatherapy. Each candle is blended with a mix of essential oils and are vegan and eco-friendly. The quality of these candles is second to none, the scent is pure and strong, and you can feel the love Nicole and her team have put into making each one.

“I have always wanted to discover a natural way to make people feel calmer and spread awareness for mental health problems.”- Nicole

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By Candlelight

I hope you have enjoyed my love letter to candles! As you light your next candle, take a moment to breath in deeply and notice the change that single flame has on you and your surroundings.

I would love to hear if candles are a part of your writing practice? And if you use candles frequently at home?

Thank you for being here,

With Light & Love

Emily xxx

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